#5 - Barb
Summary: Barb knows a lot of things and when it comes to the topic of grey trolls, she knows that is a thing that should be taken seriously, which is something the Pop Trolls don't know for a long time.
Based on League of Legends comic 'K/DA Harmonies'.
Based on the Trolls AO3 story 'A Calming Bothersome Trip' by WeirdNCrazy.
Songs Included
[1] Sway with Me - Saweetie and GALXARA
Please use this version of the song to suit the chapter. I will be using my own version of lyrics as a parody of the song. Add the link below to the home page link of Scratch. But be careful because I'm not sure if it might work. Best on computer/tablet.
/projects/508263247/
Barb
Horrible. Just horrible. So f***ing horrible to say the least…if I can't swear, then I would just say…horrible. That's just the word to describe this.
"C'mon, guys!" said Poppy cheerfully. "Music is what brings us together! It's a part of all the Trolls. Don't you want to unite them all together like one huge family? Don't you want to remind that the whole community is there for them? With all the genres combined, they won't deny that our music brings everyone as a family!"
The leader of all Pop Trolls, the tribe who went through a brief color loss and yet she STILL doesn't understand the symptoms and conditions of a grey troll?! With Thanksgiving coming up, there is a report of an increase in grey trolls. When we get to this topic, Poppy already thought of doing music…which is an overwhelming thing for them.
"This is WAY too far," said Delta, her face already red. Either from frustration or tiredness, I wouldn't know. "Not all the trolls like music. Remember? We still have some grey trolls outside the Pop Tribe. They've lost their motivation for music and I'm not sure just playing happy music can work for all of them. If we just gather them up and play music, it can overwhelm them."
At least there are some leaders who are aware of this. However, I am nervous of Delta. OK, I'll admit that I'm not a gentle teacher, but Delta is more blunt and harsh on certain topics. She is basically a grown-up version of me. And she plays gentle and depressing Country Music. I admire her cynicism, but I felt as if this might not be the right time to break it to Poppy, especially with her struggles of TrollsTopia recently.
"We can still try! We can use just certain types of genres that may be relaxing for them. Maybe some soft Classical Music or heartfelt Country Music. That should be the thing to get them to feel better."
"Not everyone would feel better, genius. Who knows?"
"I have to admit that she has a point," said Trollzart, trying to stay polite and civil. "Some of the trolls may have specific triggers that can cause distress to them. It wouldn't be the right solution to use music."
Poor grandpa. Sorry. I started calling them family names since I am included in the leader circle. Trollzart is on Delta's side, but he is trying so hard to let Poppy down gently in a subtle way. If I was in his shoes, I wouldn't even know how to break the news to Poppy, even though I still have a bone to pick with the Pop Trolls.
"But isn't that music all about? Getting everyone together?" asked King Quincy, looking anxious.
"Don't 'but' with me, mister!" snarled Delta.
Trollex is growling the whole time. I know that he is very into music a lot as much as I do with mine, but he doesn't seem to be fond with knowing the fact that music won't work on grey trolls. Even as a smart king, he isn't cordial about not using music. I thought of asking him if he is alright, but I kept my mouth shut.
Queen Essence and Prince D are trying to come up with something to say, but they are overwhelmed by Delta's loud voice and Poppy's pleads.
Hickory looks lost, nearly tempting to hide under the table.
Echo is already grim and gritty, his dull eyes staring down.
Why haven't I joined in? Because I'm currently stuck. With the different cultures and behaviors, it makes my task harder in explaining important details. Back in Volcano Rock City, I just normally yell or bluntly tell my subjects about important information. But here, I have to be careful when being around the other leaders. They don't really appreciate the behaviors of Rock Trolls.
I remember how Poppy told me of Val's criticism and how she dismisses her several times. I'm not going soft, but I feel bad for Poppy who went to extreme measures to earn Val's respect. I wish that I can go and check out TrollsTopia myself, but I have to choose someone else because I have to watch over my tribe. However, despite our different attitudes towards the Pop Trolls – even still recovering from their dirty actions at the start – we all don't like the topic of grey trolls. We take it seriously.
However, Poppy hasn't dealt with grey trolls before. Only once and never again.
Pop Trolls are REALLY resilient. Maybe even more than the Indie Alternative Trolls. But this resilience leads to ignorance and that can be a problem.
I am growing uncertain about this. Poppy isn't fully convinced, so I might as well just state in quick but firm.
"Guys," I said, standing up.
All eyes on me.
I feel my blood boiling.
"Delta and Trollzart are right. We don't know what may happen. Maybe we can…have another place where some trolls can quietly relax. Set up almost like a church or whatever. We should probably have other things in Pop Village for Thanksgiving. It's not like music is everyone's healing factor."
Remember what I believe before? When people don't agree with you, you have to FORCE them to do so. But it is already too late. All the leaders fell silence, an unwelcoming tension raining down on us. I noticed that the way I said it sounds like I'm already thinking back that music has divided all of us in the first place. And in fact, it nearly sound like me telling everyone that our music is worthless.
Judging by Delta glaring at me, I ended up going into the wrong pipe.
"W-Why don't we take a break?" asked Trollex, trying to stay calm. "Clear o-our minds for a while."
There is a silent agreement as we went out of the pod. First are the Funk Royals, clearly tired from all the fighting. Prince D looks like he still has something to say, but can't spit it out. Delta went out, but she punches her cup and its content spilled on the table. Not going to lie, I wince when I saw this. I should have expect more from her due to her temper. Hickory left the pod, but he stops by the wall, leaning against it. I can't see his body through the door or the window.
I stood up, thinking of talking to Poppy, but I saw Branch. He is…shivering. He looked at his own hand before shaking his head. Slumping his shoulder down, he walks away. Through the left window, I see him breaking into a run.
Remember Poppy's and Branch's adventure to Bergan Town years ago? Well…I can already see 20 years catching up to Branch when he hears the topic of grey trolls…and he wasn't supposed to be listening to it.
I sighed and ran after him.
In case you're wondering, Poppy told me after what Branch had to go through. Losing his grandma, getting nightmares of the Bergans and ostracized by the other Pop Trolls. That is completely bulls*** if you ask me.
I mean, firstly, nobody was there for Branch when he lost his grandma. He was alone for a long time when he got separated. By the time anyone found him, it was already too late.
Secondly, I wondered how long he distanced himself from the other Trolls. Psychologically speaking, isolating yourself would just enhance your levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Because of this, he became reclusive and afraid to tell anyone about what he went through.
Thirdly, it was sickening to hear so many Pop Trolls looking down on Branch. Even today, there are still criticism to him being second-in-chief. It just pissed me off in two ways; 1) it confirms my suspicions that Pop Trolls aren't nice and 2) if they are nice, then their actions just defied their purpose as a Pop Troll.
It is completely messed up. With my tribe, there has been a few actual trolls who lost their color and harmony. It's easy for me to see since I've been around a lot of Rock Trolls. I know when they are hiding the fact that they are not grey by just quickly looking at their entire appearance.
So, it's a problem for me and everyone.
"Argh! Oof!"
Great. I am so focused on finding Branch that I didn't look where I am going. Tripped over a root growing from the floor. Good thing nobody saw that.
"Barb!" called a familiar voice behind me. "You're alright?"
It is Hickory. While he is wearing his traditional Yodeling clothes, he keeps the Southern accent. He grows pretty fond to the Country Trolls which makes sense due to how similar his genre is with Country and Folk music.
"I'm fine, Hick," I grumbled as I stood up. "Just got a bit rusty with what has been happening."
"Is it about that whole grey troll thing?" said Hickory as I turned to him. "I mean, Poppy doesn't seem to understand the concept like we do."
"She is still learning," I said. "Let's give her time for that. What I care about now is Branch. Have you seen him?"
Hickory is probably my right-hand man when I'm not with my Rock Trolls or out from my home. Because I saw him as the most skilled bounty hunter along with Dickory, I would rely on him for a few tasks. The other bounty hunters are not bad, but I kind of like Hickory more. He always say smart-ass s*** like…
"Branch is just behind us," said Hickory, pointing backwards.
I looked behind him. A few meters away from us, I can see Branch hiding underneath leaves. He is against the stump of a tree and his knees drawn to his chest. He looks…depressed. For a moment, I thought his skin flashed to grey, but it remains light turquoise.
I looked back at Hickory.
"What?" he said. "I'm a skilled bounty hunter."
I shrugged.
"So what are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to talk to Branch," I said. "What we said at the meeting…must have made him feel bad about himself. After all, he hasn't told anyone outside of the Pop tribe about his depression before."
"I see. Good thing you're sharing our knowledge of this issue to him. Though, I don't think a Rock Troll would try to help a Pop Troll before."
"C'mon, Hiccup," I said, crossing my arms. "The Rock Trolls may be ignorant, but at least I'm the only sane one out of all of them."
"It still counts because of what you did."
I growled. "OK, yeah, I didn't thought about the World Tour clearly, but I think I know how to fix this."
"Hey, guys!" said a new voice. "Good to see you again!"
I looked to the side to see a hot pink troll wearing headphones. It was DJ Suki. Because she is literally a DJ, she is one of the first to immediately love another genre. Nowadays, she's been playing Techno Music instead of Pop. To be honest, nobody was surprised by this.
"Nice to see you too, darling," said Hickory.
I just give her a quick hand wave before glancing back at Branch who already have his face buried in his knees.
Suki noticed this. "Oh…so is this about?"
"Well," I said. "We and the leaders got cranky on the topic of grey trolls. Branch wasn't supposed to hear it, but he did. I think…we might have pressured him too much."
"Huh. I thought he would be over it already."
"Nothing fades away, girl," said Hickory. "You can either hide away from it or face it. There is no total extinguish of a tragic condition like this."
"I guess so. I mean, for 20 years, he had been nothing but miserable and brooding the entire time. He already has his colors back, so we should see improvements soon."
The entire place went frozen as me and Hickory stared at Suki.
"Miserable...?" I softly said.
"It's quite true," said Suki casually. "I mean, I like Branch better today than before. He was like a dark cloud, trying to place doomsday on all of us. The grey skin in the past shows that weeping mess of sadness."
Hickory gritted his teeth. "What?"
Out of all the stupidest things I heard from everyone, THIS is the most rashest thing I ever heard. While Branch is already accepted by the Pop Trolls, it is still racist for me to hear Suki – out of all people – to blurt out her opinion on grey trolls.
I didn't even notice that my fists are clenching tightly until I felt my nails nearly digging into my skin. I hissed a little to stop myself. My blood is boiling and growing hotter. I started to see why Delta was so mad at Poppy before.
While we know that she doesn't understand about grey trolls, it just stems from the Pop Trolls discriminating 'grey' colors.
"S-Sadness?!" I hissed. "Sadness?! Is that what you call that?! Is that the first thing that just came to mind when you call Branch THAT when he was grey?!"
"Other emotions he might only went through are just hate and anger all the time," said Suki, looking confused.
Hickory scraped his foot on the ground like a bull. "W-What?! What the hell, DJ?"
"What? I just said what is the right definition of losing color. Not letting go off your painful memories and being constantly sad all of the time? Isn't that what Branch went through before he learns to smile and get back his true colors?"
"Y-You think that he is always like that?!" I said. "You think he is just like that all the time? Don't you know what…"
I stopped, trying to calm down. However, I was growing too mad to even hear anything. Hickory, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode.
"He was," said Suki.
"You filthy cow," snarled Hickory. "You really thought this is just a simple thing to call him? How can you say is that calmly?"
"What? Everyone here thought so too. I mean, they kind of have a reason to stay away from him as he doesn't quite blend in with us."
"Look, DJS," I said hastily. "Missing harmony or lacking color is not taken lightly by all of us. You can't just single him out like this. Me, Hickory and the other trolls – outside from this disgusting Pop Tribe – know the effects of losing color. So hearing you claiming that you saw Branch as a disgrace all because of his 'sadness' is just wrong!"
Suki bit her lip. "I…I just said my opinion. Is there something wrong with being honest? Like what the Rock Trolls did?"
"I made a couple of mistakes," I admitted. "But if there is one thing we all shouldn't make fun of is being grey. It's like you're making fun of an ill person who has a fatal disease. It's not Branch's fault that he lost his colors once. It's because of how emotional his separation from his family is, especially to everyone."
The hot pink troll's eyes widened. "F-Fatal?"
"This is called depression," snarled Hickory. "Being depressed is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. It can happen in many ways if you are unable to get back up again. You would lose your motivation, your drive to music, your will to live. The world would become bleak in your eyes and Trolls can AND have died from this!"
Suki went silent, nearly falling down. "D-Die?"
I sighed. "It would take about a few months for them to die if there is nobody on their side. And Branch wouldn't be a goner if only you jerks didn't look after him properly."
"But…aren't we? I mean, Poppy and me along with our friends tried to help him. Make him smile, cheer him up, invite him to parties. But yet, he kept refusing. It's like he doesn't want to mix with us and it's like there is no other way to get to him."
"The only reason why Branch didn't ask for help is because you didn't ask what is wrong," I said bluntly. "You knew that he was in pain, but you just tried to distract him from it instead of asking him what is bothering him. And what you could have done is to try to get him into small gatherings, calming activities or social support that don't require a lot of overwhelming things that would send him over the edge."
"Branch only got through this for so long is because he has the will to survive," said Hickory gruffly. "He somehow find another way around and be strong. It's maybe because he was away from the Bergans that he started planning on protecting himself in case an attack happens."
Suki is quiet for a while as she let the information sink in. I can see tears pricking in her eyes.
"T-Then why didn't nobody told us before?" she whispered in a shaky voice.
"Information gets lost during the separation of people," I said lowly. "Certain things would fall out of hand and reconstructed into something more offensive to others. It's rare for you Pop Trolls."
"W-Whatever. It's not on me. It's about Branch here. I mean, it still confuses me why he didn't know we were trying to help him. Even if we didn't clearly understand, Poppy REALLY wanted to be his friend, regardless of anything. She didn't even care if he wasn't in rainbow colors like all of us! But yet, he just pushed us away!"
"I don't know," I said. "But it stemmed from him thinking that he wasn't like the Pop Trolls and them being the ones pushing him away. There are things neither both of you understand."
Suki stepped aside, looking at Branch still hidden under the leaves.
"So…now what?" she said.
"I'll check on him," I said simply. "He needs to hear someone outside of the Pop tribe about this."
With that finished, I passed by her and marched towards Branch. I looked behind one last time to see Hickory glaring at Suki before he walked away. The Pop Troll sighed, looking down. I will give her time to think about it before I return to her.
Crawling under the leaves, I approached Branch who lifted up his head to see me.
"Barb?" he said.
"I just want to talk, Boy Toy. I mean, you came into a private meeting which Delta and Trollzart told you that you shouldn't be there to listen."
"But I have to look out for Poppy. I mean, remember the last few times she got into trouble without me? I know she can handle herself, but I am supposed to show her what is the right thing to do. She would just go off again."
I sat next to him. "I know, but from that argument about…you-know-what, it shouldn't be brought up in your presence, man."
Branch stayed quiet for a while before looking away. "That doesn't matter now. You…don't see grey trolls as a burden, do you?"
"What?" I said. "Burden?! What gave you that idea, dude?"
Branch opened his mouth, but closed it. "I-I don't know. I just…thought so. I mean, grey is…a pest isn't it?"
"No," I said. "Not to me. In my tribe, you know there are many Trolls who appear to be grey, but when I see that one troll lost their colors, then that is a ticking sign for immediate emergency and action."
"…in what way?"
"I mean, losing color or harmony isn't something easy for all of us. I never experienced it before but as we all know, it's dreadful and common in the other tribes. The Pop Trolls are more resilient than us so far. So, to me, when I see one, I know that this person needs help and a lot of comforting after they went through."
Branch doesn't appear convinced. "Really? Is that so? I mean, most of the Pop Trolls saw me as a disgrace."
I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him close.
"What the hell did they do to you?" I said. "Don't think me and the other leaders don't know yet. What abuse did the Pop Trolls did to you?"
Branch winced, pushing my hand away. "I…don't remember much, but they just glare or whisper behind my back. Ridicule me for…my paranoia of Bergans and my grey skin."
I narrowed my eyes. "It's not OK for them to ridicule you all because you are different to them."
"No, no, no…it's not that much of a big deal."
"It is. It is a big deal. Being tormented is not something you can just go through and forget. Trust me; if I knew about this before the World Tour, I would have just outright killed all of them, but because of the peace so far, I just learnt that you and the Pop Trolls didn't see this condition as a deadly condition for everyone. And it's not OK for anyone to mock someone for a person going through depression."
"But it's not like it would kill me, wouldn't it?"
"Look," I said. "Losing your harmony makes you see as if the world is meaningless. Trolls have AND can died from this. You're only here because you are strong enough to survive."
Branch froze, staring at me. Like Suki, he appears shocked. However, after a few seconds, his face become grim.
"I…can believe that," he said, gritting his teeth. "Sometimes, I felt as if I should die already, but…I'm afraid of losing my life. I was desperate to keep myself distant from the Pop Trolls so that they wouldn't have another problem to deal with."
"So basically," I said. "When you were grey, you tried to cover up your pain and pretend to hate everyone?"
Branch sighed. "I…I don't hate my tribe. I just can't stand the sound of their music. And now, I'm surprised that I'm mixing with them."
"Look, buddy," I said. "I don't know what crap the Pop Trolls told you, but please take it from me. Me and the other tribes have vastly different views to grey trolls. That's why we were angry at Poppy for using music."
"But isn't music what defines every troll?"
I shook my head. "Nope. Not really. Of course, we love music, but it's just our dedicated treasure. The first thing that makes us what we are. However, it is a gift. It doesn't really makes you who you are. It just spells out your passions for the world. I mean, look at you. There are a lot of damn transitions you went through and look at how that shapes you today."
Branch hummed a little. "You…think that I was right with what I thought. With…the Bergans, the other tribes, everything? What if they were wrong?"
I shrugged. "Well, they are wrong. You rose up to voice your concerns and worries. You were the one who helped Poppy to learn the truth, even if it was hard. You showed them that while everything isn't always bright, there is still a way that is worth fighting for. You're a part of the leader circle, because you're one of the first Pop Trolls to recognize the beauty in other music. No one should ever dare to control your beliefs and how you feel."
The light blue troll stared at me for a while. "So it's OK if I like something different?"
"Yep, but rather have your own than try to share others. And besides, being grey gave you an idea of how the world is realistically like. While you have your colors back, you are still…you. You see things differently and it helped Poppy a lot. Hell, you thought better than I do."
Branch chuckled. "You do know what to say, don't you?"
"Well, I got a high achievement certificate in Psychology."
"You know…you can be an idiot at times. Sometimes like Poppy. But…you're alright. Thank you."
I chuckled, standing up. "You really make an honorable Rock Troll."
Branch smiled a little. "I guess."
Noting how long we have been hiding under the bushes, we decided to come out. I have to get back to the meeting since our break is about to finish soon. As we came out, I see Suki still standing there, having the same lost expression before I left her. I thought she might walk away, but it is a surprise she stood there without moving that much.
"Suki?" said Branch. "What's going on?"
The hot pink troll shifts her eyes up to him, looking embarrassed.
"I realized that I didn't get to tell you this before," she said. "But…I'm sorry."
Branch raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. I sighed, rubbing my arm. He seems to have notice what I told her.
"I-It's OK," he said. "It's all in the past and you-"
"No, no, no," said Suki, waving her hand. "Not just being against you in the first place. I'm sorry for…everything. If me and the Snack Pack just try to reach out and try something that might actually help you, then you wouldn't have to be grey for 20 years…"
There is an uncomfortable silence between them as the two Pop Trolls stared at each other. It is kind of too late to make an apology like this, but Branch seems to accept it, appearing relieved.
"Thanks, Suki," said Branch.
"So what now?" said Suki, looking at me. "Should we…tell about the topic of grey trolls to the Pop Trolls?"
I stroke my chin. "I'll think about it. Since Thanksgiving is coming up and we are going to try to invite every grey troll we can find, it may be the right to tell all the Pop Trolls about this. But it may not go well if we tell early. I'll let Poppy decide."
With all of that grief and guilt solved, we went back to the royal pod while Suki decides to go off to find her friends. Hickory is already there, waiting for us.
"You all good there?" he asked.
Branch smiled sadly, shrugging. "Still feeling a little down, but I managed to process it well."
"Is everyone back, Hic?" I asked.
"Yep," said Hickory. "In fact, they are waiting for you, Miss."
I stepped inside to find Poppy and the other leaders. They appear more relieved and relaxed. I guess that break is well-deserved because I was afraid that we would still have some beef towards each other. Branch leans against the wall and I am nearly about to tell him if he can wait outside, but I decided to let him be since he is Poppy's sidekick.
"Ah," said the Pop Queen. "Perfect timing."
"Sorry that I'm late," I said.
"Did you two do something?"
My face went hot. How she put it sounds like I had a stand-off with her BOYFRIEND.
"W-What?!" I said, fighting the urge to cover my face. "Don't you think of it that way!"
Branch snickered a little, finding this amusing.
"What way?" said Poppy.
Oh. So she doesn't know about that 'concept' yet.
"OK," said Trollex. "Let's not get there."
"We should focus now," said Delta. "There's still some things we have to take care with."
"Don't fret too much," said Prince D. "Just chill a little. We still have all the time."
"So…are we still going with the original music traditions we do on Thanksgiving?" asked Trollzart.
"No," said Poppy simply.
We all went silent, staring at Poppy in surprise. Am I the only one who thinks this is bizarre? Poppy – the Queen of Pop Trolls – decides to not use music for Thanksgiving. And yet, Pop Trolls claim that music is an important thing to them.
"No?" said Hickory.
"Delta, Trollzart, Barb, you three are right," continued Poppy. "I've been thinking that music is the only thing that can solve a Troll's heartache. Even trying to listen to music can be overwhelming. Maybe we can try out on other things to help the grey Trolls that they are home. Home with all of us."
What can I say? I had my doubts on Poppy, but just like Suki, she realized how much she needs to learn and what are the accurate solutions to support grey trolls. So they just need a little tap on the head to understand. I nodded in approval, looking at Trollzart and Delta. The former is surprised, blinking maybe too much. The latter hasn't said a word yet…and then, a smile cross over.
"Nice thinking, Poppy," said Delta. "I'm happy that you thought a little outside the box. However, we can still have a bit of music here and there."
Poppy nodded. "It's fine. Let's just see what things we can handle or not."
The rest of the meeting is everyone trading ideas on what events and services we can set up for Thanksgiving. There are a couple of suggestion and small, petty arguments, but it wasn't so bad. I point out a few things or help them clarify when they come across a problem. It's actually interesting to see what methods they use to comfort an individual. I know a lot, but I always use the Rock way. Their ways…are far different to what I thought of them.
So far, I am proud that we are dealing with this topic of grey trolls. Look, you can hate a lot of things, but when it comes to skin color or whatever appearance, you can't ignore that. While I didn't like other music in the past, I don't judge the other tribes' appearance as nasty or horrible. They just look normal while I see my tribe as more wild and bold.
Being grey isn't something you should make fun of. Being depressed isn't something you should make fun of. Being ill isn't something you should make fun of. The opposite of those three things are trying to help to find the medicine.
While Poppy and the Pop Trolls kind of tried to get Branch to open up by inviting him to parties, it would be more beneficial if they tried to ask him if anything is wrong instead of triggering him too much. And with that in mind, I have to remind myself that there are also people who have their own personal beliefs. I'm not as ignorant as I was before.
We are all different, but look at us now. It is still a dream for me to believe that we are all actually negotiating in harmony together. Looks like enjoying music together makes us stronger and better. This is not a competition to show off – it's a celebration of different people.
With that, I think we can all be proud of ourselves. We can always acknowledge each other's strengths. They are our own opinions, our own feelings and no one should try to change that. That makes us who we are and the music we love is one way to express what we love.
As I sat there, something flickered over my eyes.
"H-H-Help…"
Huh? What is that?
"H-H-Hel…h-h-help…"
Oh no. Not again. I thought it is already over after a week, but…what is going on around me? What am I seeing these day-?
Something flashed in front of my eyes and I can see another hideous monstrosity.
"T̵̞̖̹̏͋̉̋͊͝H̷̢̧̱̮̙̳̳̜͔̫̺̬̝͙͚͋̅̎̿̄́͐̕I̶̼̻̔̑͜S̵̥̝̱̦̰̽̍͝ ̴̫̖̣̦̝͈͎̟͗T̸̨̤̊͌̽I̴̜̫͈̘̓̀̋̀̐̎͂̎M̶̡̦̬̻̑̈́ͅĚ̸̢̮̠̫̘̝̰̙̀̀̆̓̏̍̓͐̊̀̂̚͜,̷͕̬͓̑͐̈͋̈́̿̈́̓́́̐̐͝ ̴͈̩́̆̀̀̄͊͘Ṯ̵̫͔̺̪͚͉̥̖͔͕͇̘̅̐̓̓̿Ḩ̸̧̢̻̭̭͙͉̥̫̼͇̣̌̅̄̾̎̈́̽̋͂̈́̋͐͑̚͜Ȩ̸̛͔̩̰̼͉͗̾̐̒̊͝͝ͅR̸̟̜͕̝̻̣͕̐̈́̓͑̄̏͑̈̓̆̕̚È̸͕͖͚̰̣̺͚͈̳̙̦̠̐'̵̛̲̼͈̞̪̰̰͉͖̠̻̠̫̔̾͐̐́͛͐̎̄͆͋͘͝͠ͅS̶͍̽͐͂̈̒̅̃̽ ̵̧͖̱̻̠̙̰̂M̵̺̈́̉̃͆̕O̷̳̥͍͙̫̪̮̽͋R̵̟̲̺̟̜̪̪͑̓͒̈͛Ę̷̧̛̣̭͕̻͖̰̝̬͈̙̣͌͆̾͑̒͘͘͝ ̶̝̳̘̦͓̒̈́̀̃͆͊̀̄͊̅͠T̶̙̏͒͑̋̾̕͝H̴̢͙̞͇̹̻͙̮̯̫̳͎̰͉͖̃Ą̶̰̳̹̻̮͎̤̤̜̖̖̍̀̽̂̎͠ͅŅ̵̢̪̤̮̩͔̲̘̰̇̉ͅ ̵̦͇̳̹͙̪̹͈̥̮̘̫̳͙͆̓͋̂̆͋̆̒̊̾̉̕̚͝A̵͇͒͋̐͛̚͘̚Ņ̵̢̨͍͉̺̣̹͓̲̱̈́͊̑͆̏̔̑̈́͛̊ ̵̢̘̙̝̠͕̮̟̥̟̥̄̃̓͜Í̶̛̱̀̍̓͒̎̑͂̇͘̚Ļ̷̜̖͙̱̮̩͈̗͌̔̇́L̵̦̪̒̈́̈͗̉́͜͠Ủ̵͓̦̦̌̿̃S̷̨͉̱̫̩̝͙̙͔̲̜͎̭̩̯̃͌͝İ̵͖̞͖̀̔̒Ǫ̴̛̣͚̣̻̞̳̓̑̋̏͊̕̚Ṋ̴̛̛̮͔̻̰̼̝͉̪͎͖̻͈̆͐̔̋̽̄̀͋͜͠ ̴̛̹̘͓̜̭͒̈̉̎̂Ṫ̵̨̬̘̪͉̹̣̈́̋͠O̸̧̢̼̬͖̲̣̠̣̾̽̆ ̸̫̗̆̑̃̍͐̍̈́̃̚͠͠͠F̴̢̰̳̖͚̞̫̞͇̣͙̩̮̑̑͠ͅĘ̵̡̺̼̥̫̜̩͕̣̹̈́̒͂̍̿͂̏͌͑̃͒̓͠͠͝ͅÁ̴̝͙̞͓̟̟͙̻͉̖̿̊̊͆̈͠Ŗ̷̢̯̫͉̼̑͆̿.̸̧͓̀̽́́̇̆̅̽̐̇͐̓"
I went as still as a statue as the head of a bear robot hybrid stared right into my soul. Razor-sharp teeth that could tear through a man. Red, blazing eyes that burned in malice. Golden fur stained in black marks and blood.
Who the hell is that?
Before I can speak, it opened its mouth to talk in that robotic, deep and demonic voice.
"I̷̗̫̮̪̭̎̈́́̌̕ ̷̦̳̯̘̲͓͇̞͎͚̱͐̓͜ͅĄ̵̛̤̳̪͈̯̘͔͇̦͔͌̊̓̇̇͝S̴̠̮̠̗̗̉̄̌̔̉͂̏̈͒͘S̷͓̜̟̭͑̐̑̍̾͒̓̀͗̽̎͘͜͠U̸̧̫̖͎͓̱̺̱̻̟̲̤̍́̅̃̑ͅR̴͎̺̬̃̎̈́͑͒͠Ë̵̦̥̝̓̎͂̈́̀̑̕̚ ̶̨̡̦͌̈͒̉̏̏̅͂̾̒̀̚͝͠͝Y̸̫̣͚̳̺̺̗̺͔̟̞̻͔͕͒͒̂̏́͌̇̽͜Ṏ̸̰̲̹͇̍̈́́̌̃Ų̷͉̼͕̰͗̌͌̔̊̽̒̌̚͠,̵͖͕̪̟̈́̃͑̾̑͠ ̵̭̜̞̱̙̜̦͌̏̂̌̃͌̊̑̓̾͆͌Ĩ̴̡̢͈̳̼̰͍͎ ̴͚̝͓̝͚̖̺̏͆̾̄̐̈́Ả̸̧̡̛̲̣̜͖̗͐̐̿͋̋̉͂̚͝ͅM̷̲̈̆̀̉̽̓̓͝ ̵̥̥̬͛̓̋͛̊̔̒̽̚̚̕V̶̛͓̤̈́͂̅͒͆̍̐̓͒̓̽͗͘͠Ě̸̬͖̱̱̭̝̖̘̬̜̙̈́̓̓͋͌̽͒͝͝͠ͅṚ̵̡̥͈̘͖̫͐́͑͂Y̴̲͖̻͇̙̼̬̾͊̑͑̒̋̄̓́͗ ̵̰̱͙͓̗̼̳̬̘̭͙̙̪̿̅̀͑̇̽̈̋̿̐Ŗ̵̛̥̲̟͇͔̦̼̠̣̖͔̼̩͂͋̈̈̓̈̀͝Ḙ̴̛̛̤͉̲͓̺́̃́̒̀Á̷̧̨͈̦̳̫̱̟͉̳͍̭̣͈͙̑͐̈̚L̸͈̓̈͆͂͠.̶͍̥̦̮͍͛̈́̈́̌̍̌̍̑̈́͛͝"
I tried to open my mouth again…but another creature burst in front of my eyes.
"HELP ME!"
It is a Techno Troll.
His eyes are gone, revealing dark black sockets.
Crying RED BLOOD.
I gasped as I nearly fell back along with my chair. As soon as the visions faded away, I took a few breaths, trying to calm myself.
"Barbara?" said Hickory, full of concern. "Are you OK?"
I am so done with this s***. Seeing things ever since I told Charleston about the disappearance of her parents. I don't know what the heck is going on, but…I'm not going to find an answer if I do nothing and see those horrifying visions. Surprisingly, they actually scared the living crap out of me. Maybe I can just go home and study a bit more on…it…to see what its true powers are…
I gave Hickory a false smile. "I'm fine. I'm just…fine. I hope so…"
?
They say stardom takes a long path to go through with pressuring expectations, the flood of attentions, the creation of new sounds and the marketing of selling singles or albums. However, for these three girls, months fly by like moths flying through the air to let the butterflies enter the world.
They never thought of coming this far by being themselves. Their music connects with so many people around the world, celebrating their identities and differences. A trio of queens who are so unbreakable that they can shatter the hardest walls. While they still have their own flaws and personal fears, they try to face them so that they can live for another day.
More importantly, they have each other as companions. They may have pitted each other in the past, but when discovering how powerful they can be, they want to keep this group together for long. Maybe someday they may get a fourth member or make their group have 6 members in total! But for now, they are happy with the projects and passions they chase after.
And the way to do so is to share it with the world without hesitation. Some of their previous foes envy or attack them, but they are not afraid to back down. Even without the protection of body guards or agents. Most of their fans are all the underrated girls and boys who struggled in life. They love to connect with them and even manage to meet them face-to-face. That is just the beginning for them as they are now getting ready to connect with the world for a third time.
That is if they can get through the auditions.
Performance night always require the singers and bands to be prepared and be perfect. One slip and you're out. But if that's the thing you are worried about, then worry about the hype. The energy from the audience. The thrills of being in this competition. The rush to win and move onto the next challenge.
It is all blinding lights in many shades, shining everywhere. You can hear the loud roars of people with stomps like a group of bulls running towards you. Their cheers overpower the music in fact! The outfits, colors and sounds are so exotic and new, some of them classics as they are inspired by other famous artist.
Walking around in circles, Augustina heaves and huffs as she shakes a water bottle. Their performance is coming up soon, so the TV break is the only time they can relax before they can go onto stage. It doesn't help with the other competitors congratulating each other or getting ready.
"Guys…" said Augustina, coming towards Melody and Elena who are at a makeup mirror. "You feel it?"
"Feel what?" said Melody.
"The adrenaline flowing through your blood? It's getting so high here!"
"I know!" said Melody with a smile. "This is another big night. I thought we would feel more calmer after our previous wins."
"This…this nearly feels like too much, don't you think?"
"This is nothing," said Elena flatly. "The only thing too much is how much you poured into our music video and performance; the confetti, the party blasters, the huge balloon balls. Your party is WAY too much."
Augustina giggled. "Well…yeah! I know. I mean I put a lot of heart into this, but I can't sleep properly during this week. I mean, this is a competition and we can't afford to go on too many world tours."
"The reason why we can't afford to go on too many world tours because we would crash easily," joked Melody. "Like the last time I went into a sugar rush with the party at Dom's."
"No, no, no," said Elena. "Don't remind me of that. You vomited into some guy's soup bowl!"
Augustina chuckled. "Oh…how can I forget that one. Still…it's still a dream being on the Million Musical Hearts Contest. Well…don't get our heads in the game. As long as we have fun, then we will be alright."
Melody sighed a little. "Yeah…you know, it's a little crazy of how much we are doing."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, sorry for all the trouble we have to go through. It's risky with the paths we are choosing."
Augustina smiled. "The paths we chose are the best things we ever went through."
"I know," said Melody. "But…we didn't try to raise our voices that time."
"But look at us now," said Elena. "We are all together here. We are using this as an opportunity to voice our rights for the world. No one can ever shut our mouths and we know a million ways to speak up for ourselves."
Augustina nodded. "Yeah. That's what matters."
With the three together, there is nothing that can break their bond. As they start to think back to their past – even trying to remember the trolls they met and never mentioned after – one of the crew members came to them.
"Unique Radiance!" they said. "You're up soon in 5 minutes! We need you to be on stage now."
"Ah, crap!" said Melody. "It's starting soon."
"Alright, everyone," said Elena. "This song isn't all that serious, so we are all here for a good time, right?"
"Yep!" said Augustina. "Now, ladies. We did a lot to come here, so let's go on stage and have a good time there! Party time!"
Melody whooped. "Let's rock!"
Making their way out of the dressing rooms and through the hallways, the sounds of people cheering and loud upbeat music become louder. The vibrations of the beat becomes more noticeable as the three girls come closer to the stage. There are more people around backstage, sorting out the props, the dancers and the light control.
Augustina, Melody and Elena are given one more check on if they are wearing the right outfits for the nights. Took ear pieces since they will be dancing on stage. Their stage directors lead them onto the stage and place them in their starting positions; for this, they are hidden behind curtains around a small area of the stage. Some of the dancers wait from the wings or come close to the curtains.
The theme music played, so they are back on live.
The crowd cheer loudly at the sound of this.
"Welcome back to the Million Musical Hearts Contest! We are on the last performance of the night. After this, votes will be opened where you will vote for which act you want to move onto the next round! Who will represent Canada for this year? Maybe those three girls again?"
Augustina breathes in and out.
Melody is twiddling her fingers.
Elena slightly bounces on her feet.
"They are an international girl group as the symbolism of empowerment and girl power. Such a trio who test out their music as well as trying out new sounds, inspired by the world. Being one of the first to change the Pop industry, their new album – which has been released last week – is smashing the charts at number #2 in Best Pop Album and Best Alternative Album for Billboard. Will this be the third year where they will win again? Here with their promotional single 'Sway with Me', make some noise for Unique Radiance!"
The crowd cheered loudly as all the monitors, the floor screen and the light switches to a dark background. The spotlights turned white and point at the middle of the stage. Now, the audience can see a single, giant puppet-like stand on the stage with two dancers holding onto the ends of the curtains.
The song starts with a trumpet playing the first notes before the kicker kicks in. Drums begin to play and more instruments play along with the main trumpet. At that point, the dancers removed the curtains to reveal Unique Radiance. The monitors change to a red background that has white and pink paint that splash onto it to the beat of the song.
All: "When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, sway with me.
If you want to come have some fun
Chase the sun, sway with me."
The three girls busts out of the stand and onto the stage. Soon, they are accompanied by females dancers dressed in white and black dresses. Augustina takes the lead vocals and dancer, using her rich voice. The background turns into a dark background with blurry rainbow lights beating.
Augustina: "Once I came from the broken
Now I shine like a token
Man, I've been up against better
But where're my crewmates? I need them."
She then raised her hand and marched forwards, shaking her hand slightly. Melody and Elena followed behind her, dancing along, while the backup dancers copied Augustina.
"Been keeping my heart in the dark
Never you made a big mark
Pagpepreserba ng aking kadakilang spark
But I come out, make a big bark."
Elena then take over, sliding across the stage. Male dancers dressed in blue denim jackets and jeans – that are similar to Elena's – appeared on stage. The team's dancer sang while showing off her quick and reflexive moves. The background change to a graffiti wall which glitches to the beat.
Elena: "I don't just stay really civil
I just soar like an eagle
I don't care if I'm forgiven
Like villains, I am a demon."
"Been so glamourous now
I feel so timeless now
I get so high…"
The instrumental came to a stop when Elena sang the last word in a high note. Augustina and Melody spin around her while the male dancers pretend to fall onto the floor. As the instrumental come back in, they are accompanied by the female dancers, pretending to fight each other.
Augustina: "When the dice gets rolled, now's my turn
Set me on fire, I never will burn
Just dance in flames, it's my game
Sway with me
Sway! With! Me!"
As the chorus comes back in, the three girls got into a line and sing together. The background dancers dance with them. Red, white and pink lights flashed around them. The background switches to a swirling white and red hallway.
All: "When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, sway with me
If you want to come have some fun
Chase the sun, sway with me. (Melody: Yeah, you're for this? Let's go!)"
Melody takes over for her rap verse. Male and female dancers dressed in red shirts or black leather jackets appeared behind the three girls as they danced along. The background switches to reddish-pink and cyan smoke flying in a black room, flashing to the beat.
Melody: "This girl right there? It's me right there
Little Miss Melody ringing in your ear
Thinking you can slice this cherry pie
That's your weakness, I shoot you in the eye!
Just look at your heart, buried in the dark
Radiance glowing from my skin
Thinking you're hot, so very not
You're dull like a garbage bin!"
The three girls kneeled down, pushing their arms to the side as if pulling something. Melody hit her hand in the air to the rhythm as she raps.
"You want to? Come up at me, bro!
Don't slack, I'm like a speeding boat
So bad? Just think about yourself.
Don't fall down when heading top shelf.
You claim that you are buffer
But compare to me, I have my own team
So alone, then get your mother
We're unique, you're just a string, hey!"
As they stand up, Elena takes over while Augustina harmonizes.
Elena: "When the dice gets rolled, now's my turn (Augustina: I take what I want…)
Set me on fire, I never will burn (Augustina: I take I want…)
Just dance in flames, it's my game (Augustina and Melody: Girls like us, we take it. Girls like us, we take it.)
Sway with me
Sway! With! Me!"
The three girls got together again in a circle and dance around. At this point, the audience is already loving the song. Jumping up and down as they feel the trap rhythm and the quirky sounds of the song.
All: "When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, sway with me (Melody: Sway with me, oh…)
If you want to come have some fun
Chase the sun, sway with me."
Elena and Melody then have their backs against each other as they did the bridge.
Elena: "I don't just stay really civil
I just soar like an eagle
I don't care if I'm forgiven
Like villains, I am a demon"
Melody: "Been keeping my heart in the dark
Never you made a big mark
Spend it for, spend it for, spend it for money and cars
But I come out, make a big bark!"
At that point, Augustina starts to vocalize very high notes as the last chorus hits. Confetti and big balloon balls fell from the ceiling with the audience tossing the balls around. All the background dancers return onto the stage to dance for the last time. The background monitors show a large neon city with red lights flowing through.
All: "When marimba rhythms start to play (Augustina: Ooh!)
Dance with me, sway with me (Augustina: Sway with me, yeah…)
If you want to come have some fun
Chase the sun, sway with me. (Augustina: Just pull me closer and sway me more!)"
The three girls do a kick with their foot and that is when everyone on stage starts to dance around freely with no staged choreography. It all develops in a wild party. No order, no commands, just fun times. They all gather together as the girls sing the last chorus again.
"When marimba rhythms start to play (Augustina: When marimba rhythms start to play!)
Dance with me, sway with me (Augustina: Sway with me, ooh!)
If you want to come have some fun
Chase the sun, sway with me. (Augustina: Chase the sun, oh, sway with me!)"
Augustina sang the last word very high that it leaves an ending echo to the song. The three girls are squatting down, their arms wrapped around each other. The dancers behind them pose freely, panting slightly. The crowd went wild, cheering for the epic and colorful performance. [1s]
This songs means a lot to the three girls. Not only mean it serves as their strength, but also as their fun-loving and energetic personality. Their wild sides. A call-back to one of their songs. And wherever that takes them, it will take them to the world for them to share.
And there are still more to come for them.
There's so many confusing messages that you're being sent about being pretty but not too pretty, smart but not too smart, ambitious but in a way that makes people comfortable. It's very hard to navigate. - Rachel Bloom